Thuli Phongolo and Slenda The Dancing DJ, individually formidable artists in their own right, took an unexpected turn when they joined forces to create the musical sensation known as 2Faced. This dynamic duo decided to fuse the distinctive musical genres of Amapiano and Gqom to forge an unprecedented powerhouse in the South African music scene.
In a surprising revelation, the ladies officially unveiled their new musical venture on Instagram, aptly named “2Faced.” The name itself signifies their intent: to bridge the gap between the pulsating beats and rhythms of Amapiano and the raw, energetic vibes of Gqom. Their mission is nothing short of redefining the musical landscape by seamlessly blending these two influential genres.
2Faced embarked on their journey with a debut performance at the renowned Macufe festival in Bloemfontein, South Africa. However, contrary to their expectations, their inaugural performance received mixed reviews and left many South Africans unimpressed.
For quite some time, the rise of Amapiano had captured not only local but international attention. It had been perceived by some as a genre that overshadowed others, causing them to lose their unique flavor. Hip Hop and Gqom/Kwaito, in particular, seemed to be impacted.
Slenda, a powerhouse hailing from Durban and affiliated with Afrotainment, collaborated with Thuli P to breathe new life into these genres. Together, they presented a unique and captivating musical experience, showcasing the harmonious coexistence of Amapiano and Gqom on one stage. 2Faced invites their audience to embrace the duality of sound and embark on an extraordinary musical journey that transcends expectations.
Despite the immense potential of their collaboration, 2Faced’s debut performance at Macufe sparked confusion and polarized opinions. Many wondered why Thuli P decided to join a group rather than continue her solo career, which had been gaining significant traction.
@ThatoNtshingil2 expressed their skepticism, stating, “They really shouldn’t have done this … so unnecessary.” @Mmakgosidarling questioned. “I’m very confused because Thuli was getting booked without all the gimmicks, right? Why the sudden need for them?” @ZeeRight sought to understand, “Why did T feel the need to become part of a duo? Wasn’t she doing just fine on her own?”
Amid the mixed reactions, @Ke_Moks was a staunch supporter. Praising Thuli’s versatility and the generosity of her collaboration: “Thuli keeps reinventing the wheel. An actress and DJ turned dancer. A triple threat! You can’t deny her talent! And she’s putting a friend on?! Come on. Class act!”
In conclusion, the wake of their performance, 2Faced stands as a musical experiment that continues to provoke a wide range of responses. Therefore, stirring debate about the direction and impact of their collaboration in the South African music industry. Only time will tell whether they can successfully bridge the gap between Amapiano and Gqom. Uniting two distinct worlds in a harmonious fusion.
